The UK break
An exhibition of Constable landscapes opened last week at Tate Britain (020 7887 8008) in London, and more than half of the buildings and countryside shown in the paintings are managed by the National Trust (01206 298260). To coincide with the launch, the organisation has created a four-mile walk through 'Constable Country' from Manningtree station to Flatford , which is featured in Constable's The Hay Wain.
The book
The Hip Hotels series of guides has become a reliable gold mine of the world's most delectable boltholes. Two new guides to London and Paris have just been published by Thames & Hudson for £12.95. To order a copy for £11.95 with free UK p&p go to observer.co.uk/bookshop or call 0870 836 0885 .
The tour
Lord Hattersley, the former cabinet minister , is to lead a 13-night Across the Ganges Plain tour of India, taking in Calcutta, Lucknow, Varanasi , Khajuraho , the Taj Mahal and Delhi, offering anecdotes from his career as well as four talks focusing on the creation of the British Empire and India's struggle for independence. Departing 11 November, the tour costs £2,795 pp including flights, B&B and guided excursions. Contact Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000).
The activity
Scuba diving specialist Padi (0117 300 7802) is now offering underwater digital photography courses for divers and snorkellers. Learn about equipment, how to use light, and how to take photos in an environmentally friendly manner, from £120pp.
The luxury retreat
Private parties can design their own fitness holidays at luxury private resi dences in the UK, Morocco, or Spain through Inspa Bespoke (0845 458 0723). The company will assemble a team of experts - trainers, nutritionists, yoga gurus, chefs, and masseurs - to create a personalised programme of pampering.
The festival
Billed as the world's greatest, the Montreal Jazz Festival offers a stellar line-up including Elvis Costello, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt , plus hundreds of free concerts . It runs from 30 June to 9 July, and Airline Network (0870 700 0543) is offering packages departing 1-30 July for £697, including three nights at a four-star hotel .
The eco trip
A 12-day charity trek in Cambodia, including Angkor Wat , is available from Gecko Travel (023 9225 8859) for £990 pp including flights. An additional sponsorship of at least £500 must be raised by each participant for Health Unlimited, which works to provide health education and support to overseas communities . It depart s 18 November .
The deal
The luxury hotel Legends (00 230 698 2222) in Mauritius is offering a 'prestige' package to guests who stay for five nights or more. The package includes free lessons in tai chi and yoga, a back massage , unlimited access to the hotel's sauna, steam room and jacuzzis, a gourmet evening meal, an excursion to the Ile des Deux Cocos and other activities. A seven-day trip including flights costs from £1,055 pp.
